F-104C Starfighter "479th TFW" Die-Cast Model
Backordered:
Expected 07/18/25
Backordered
Reaching tremendous speed with stubby wings, the F-104 Starfighter is a 20th century icon.
Known for its tiny wings and huge engine, the F-104 Starfighter is one of the most iconic interceptor aircraft across the globe. Only squadron to operate the F-104C in April 1965, the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing served out of Kung Kuan Air Base in Taiwan. Routinely sent to Da Nang air force base and serving combat air patrol missions against enemy MiG fighters, these Starfighters succeeded in dissuading their opposition from further attack. Attaining tremendous speed in very short time, nations across the globe scrambled to attain licensing for production, with special variations tailored to their needs.
Features
- High-quality reflective paint scheme, etched panel lines and pad printed decals that reflect F-104C #60891 during its service in the 479th TFS
- Antennas, reflective lights, and surface details have been carefully reproduced
- Deployed or retracted landing gear
- Attachable press-fit weaponry
- Measures 9.25”l with a 3.75” wingspan at 1:72 scale
- Officially licensed
History and Specifications:
Highlight of the aircraft’s design, the prominent General Electric J79-GE engine provided incredible amounts of thrust, while the stubby wings reduced drag during flight. These two attributes led to a top speed over Mach 2.2 and high energy retention in flight. With that said, the compromise came at the degradation of low-speed handling, necessitating long takeoffs and landings. Regarding the weaponry, each nation carried a similar selection of AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and tradition freefall bombs, with the only exceptions being Italy (which fitted theirs with variants of the AIM-7 Sparrow) and Germany (which fitted the AS-20 and AS-30 Nord air-to-ground missiles) on their respective S and G variants. Produced between 1953 and 1979, more than 2,500 units were manufactured, with 1,700 of that total either exported from the United States or manufactured under license by foreign nations.
